Night Terrors vs. Nightmares: The Remedy and What Parents Need to Know

Few things tug at a parent’s heart more than hearing their child cry out in the night. But did you know that night terrors and nightmares are two very different experiences and they call for very different responses?

Nightmares happen during light sleep (REM). Your child may wake up scared, remember the dream, and want comfort from you. These are very common in preschoolers.

Night terrors happen during deep sleep (non-REM). Your child may scream, thrash, or even appear awake but they’re not conscious and won’t remember it the next day. Night terrors can look intense, but they’re usually short-lived.

How to respond:

• For nightmares: Comfort, reassure, and help your child feel safe.

• For night terrors: Stay close, keep your child safe, and let the episode pass without trying to wake them fully.

The good news? Both nightmares and night terrors often improve with time and healthy sleep habits. A consistent bedtime routine and making sure your little one isn’t overtired can make a big difference.

If you’re feeling unsure or these episodes are frequent, you don’t have to navigate it alone, I’m here to help.